Photos: Seminaries Students Zourkhaneh Competitions in Qom, Iran

Zourkhaneh, literally
meaning house of strength, is the Iranian national sport also called varzesh-e
pahlavani (sport of heroes) or varzesh-e bastani (sport of ancients) played in
an Iranian traditional gymnasium.

Zourkhaneh is not only a place where physical exercises are
held but also one where chivalry is learned. The Zourkhaneh sportsman is
first expected to be pure, truthful, good-tempered and then physically
strong. Zourkhaneh and varzesh-e pahlavani have their roots in Iranian
culture and date back at least 2000 years ago.